Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects a vibrant hard-bottom reef habitat in the Atlantic Ocean just off the Georgia Coast. This 22-square-mile protected area is teeming with numerous species of fish, such as black sea bass, groupers, and mackerels. Loggerhead sea turtles forage and rest year-round at Gray’s Reef, and the sanctuary is within the critical habitat of the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale.

Learn more by visiting GRNMS here:

Savor Summer in Savannah

Summer may be winding down, but we’re just warming up! We hope you will join the staff and friends of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary at these exciting upcoming events.

Top banner photos: Greg McFall/NOAA

August 1 – Gray’s Reef Tuesdays on Tybee The summer film series continues this Tuesdayat Tybee Post Theaterwith the inspiring, real-life story of Winter, the Dolphin That Can. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. With our apologies for postponing Shifting Baselines, we have rescheduled the screening for August 8, 7:00 p.m. at the Tybee Post Theater. The movie tells a story of Georgia’s coast as told by her commercial fishing families, scientists, and chefs. Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Founding Chair, Cathy Sakas, is the executive producer bringing this film to life.

August 12 – Get Into Your Sanctuary Day Experience a 360-degree virtual diveof Gray’s Reef when you visit the Islands Library branch of Live Oak Public Libraries on August 12, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Library guests can explore the sanctuary using Virtual Reality goggles and an interactive exhibit, Q&A with our staff, and take home some fun giveaways!   In addition, the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is sponsoring a photo contest until August 12. We encourage you to Get Into Your Sanctuary and share the fun nationwide!

September 22 – A Fishy Affair  Join us and the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation for an evening of fun at this malicious, but delicious lionfish-focused Chef’s challenge featuring four talented local chefs preparing their own unique lionfish dishes.  A Fishy Affair attendees will enjoy over 350 pounds of Atlantic-harvested lionfish to bring awareness to the invasive species and in support of sustainable seafood in area restaurants.  A raffle, live auction, short film, and signature cocktail will be offered at the entertaining and educational evening benefitting Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Tickets are on sale now!

Welcome Dr. Catherine Dunn Kostilnik! We are delighted to introduce you to Catherine Dunn Kostilnik, PhD., the new Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Executive Director!  Please join us in welcoming Catherine who can be reached by emailing catherine@marinesanctuary.org.

For more information please visit:

graysreef.noaa.gov

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary 

10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411

912-598-2345